Day 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction was a spectacle of intense bidding wars, with franchises sparing no expense to acquire the most sought-after talents. Among the stars of the auction, overseas players stood out as major attractions, with some of the world’s biggest match-winners and game-changers grabbing the spotlight.
In this article, we spotlight the top 5 foreign players who commanded the highest bids in the IPL 2025 auction.
Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans – INR 15.75 crores)
Jos Buttler has entered a new chapter in his IPL journey, parting ways with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2025 season. The England white-ball captain, a key figure for the Royals since 2018, made headlines at the IPL 2025 auction by becoming the highest-paid overseas player. The Gujarat Titans secured his signature with a record-breaking bid of INR 15.75 crores.
Renowned as a top-order powerhouse, Buttler’s IPL credentials are remarkable. In 107 matches, the 34-year-old has accumulated 3,582 runs, boasting an impressive tally of 7 centuries and 19 fifties, showcasing the wealth of experience and firepower he brings to the Titans.
2025 Auction,Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians – INR 12.5 crores)
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult became the second-most expensive player in the IPL auction, securing a massive INR 12.5 crore bid to rejoin the Mumbai Indians. Boult, who previously represented the five-time champions in the IPL 2021 season, brings exceptional skills to the table. Renowned for his ability to swing the ball during the powerplay and execute pinpoint deliveries in the death overs, the Kiwi speedster is a proven game-changer. His knack for delivering crucial breakthroughs makes him a valuable addition to MI’s bowling attack. Paired with Jasprit Bumrah, Boult is set to form a formidable duo in the pace department for the upcoming season.
Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals – INR 12.5 crores)
Rajasthan Royals, with the smallest budget among all franchises, made a bold move by investing in England’s pace sensation Jofra Archer. The dynamic speedster marked his return to the Royals’ camp, where he first showcased his talent during his IPL debut with RR in 2018.
Archer has been a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals, earning the prestigious MVP title in the 2020 IPL season held in the UAE. During that campaign, he bagged an impressive 20 wickets, solidifying his reputation as a match-winner in RR colours.
Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – INR 12.5 crores)
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), securing a hefty INR 12.5 crore contract. Previously acquired by the Bengaluru-based franchise during the IPL 2022 mega auction, Hazlewood’s return brings renewed hope for their bowling attack.
Known for his precision and control, Hazlewood is poised to address RCB’s long-standing struggles in the powerplay overs. His skillset not only adds stability but also positions him as a key figure to lead the pace attack and strengthen the team’s overall bowling performance.
Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals – INR 11.75 crore)
Mitchell Starc, last year’s most expensive IPL auction player at INR 24.75 crore, experienced a dip in his market value this season. However, the Australian pacer remains among the top five highest-paid overseas players in the IPL 2025 auction, with DC securing his services for INR 11.75 crore.
Delhi Capitals were in search of a bowling leader, and Starc’s extensive international experience made him a perfect fit for the role.
